To work as a middle school teacher, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have at least a bachelor's degree;
• complete an approved teacher training program;
• complete a student teacher internship; and
• pass a state licensing exam.

Education after high school

To work as a public middle school teacher, you need at least a bachelor's degree from an approved teacher education program. You also need to complete 24 to 36 hours of college work in the area you wish to teach. (This number will vary by individual school.)

The trend in this field is for states to require teachers to have a master's degree in education. This usually involves one additional year of course work beyond a bachelor's degree.

To renew your teaching license, you need to take additional courses in education. Many teachers do this during the summer months.

Private schools may not require a bachelor's degree in education.

On-the-job training

Before graduating from a teacher education program, you work as a student teacher. Student teachers work in high school classrooms with experienced teachers. In the beginning, you observe the teacher and classroom. Later, you teach classes on your own.

In your first year as a teacher you may receive additional on-the-job training. This generally takes the form of extra supervision by the principal or another teacher.